Sentence types

Loose or cumulative sentences What is a loose sentence? A cumulative sentence is known as a “loose sentence,” that starts with an independent clause or main clause, which is simple and straight, provides main idea, and then adds subordinate elements or modifiers. It adds subordinate or modifying elements after the subject and the predicate. Writers use these types of sentences when they want to put forth the main idea first, and provide details to elucidate the idea further thereafter. They use these details in the form of dependent or subordinate phrases or clauses. Examples: I went to the movies yesterday, bought candy, and shopped at the mall. He might consider paying the higher fees at a private university, if the teacher/student ratio is small, the teachers are highly qualified, and the job placement rate is high.

Balanced Sentences What is a balanced sentence? A balanced sentence is made up of two segments which are equal, not only in length, but also in grammatical structure and meaning. It could be a periodic or cumulative sentence. A reader finds both parts equal when he goes through such a sentence. Examples of balanced sentences: I liked her and she liked me. To err is human; to forgive divine.

Inverted sentences What is an inverted sentence? Any sentence in which the normal word order is reversed, with the  verbcoming before the subject or the complete subject and predic ate coming after another clause. Examples: An excellent decision she made there. Shocked, I was.

Periodic sentence What is a periodic sentence? A periodic sentence has the main clause or predicate at the end. This is used for emphasis and can be persuasive by putting reasons for something at the beginning before the final point is made. It can also create suspense or interest for the reader. Examples: In spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued. Positive thinking, by helping us stay focused and maintaining a good attitude, is important for a happy life.

Simple sentences What is a simple sentence? A simple sentence consists of only one clause. Examples of simple sentences: The train was late. The dog chased the ball.

Complex sentences What is a complex sentence? A complex sentence has at least one independent clause plus at least one dependent clause. Examples of complex sentences: Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, I did not see them at the station. After they left on the bus, Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station.

Compound sentences What is a compound sentence? A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses. Examples of compound sentences: Joe waited for the train, but the train was late. I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station, but they arrived at the station before noon and left on the bus before I arrived.

Compound-complex sentences What is a compound-complex sentence? A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Examples of compound-complex sentences: Kate doesn’t like scary movies because they tend to be graphic and violent, so she doesn’t watch them. Even though she was tired, Abby new she had to finish the race, so she hurried to the finish line.